When should car shocks be replaced?

Shocks are part of your vehicle's suspension system that aids in the car's stability and handling. The many different parts that make up the suspension and steering systems play a big role in keeping your ride smooth and safe. What is the purpose of shocks, you ask?  Consider the following:

• Helps maintain consistent handling and braking
• Keep your tires in contact with the road
• Controls spring and suspension movements
• Reduces car roll, bounce, sway, brake dive, and acceleration squat
• Prolongs the life of other components in the suspension, such as car axles
• Prevents gradual deterioration of ride quality

Shocks wear down slowly over time as the miles add up.  And because they wear gradually, by the time a driver notices an issue, it’s well past the time that they should be replaced, and damage could be occurring to other parts, such as car axles.   Many shocks may want to be replaced at 30,000 miles, while on other vehicles they can go as long as 60,000 to 100,000 miles.  How fast they wear depends largely on how you drive and the situation of the roads.  Driving consistently over bumpy streets and bad roads, your shocks and struts will want to be replaced more often than traveling short distances on the level ground every day.    

Here are various good indicators that it's time to have your shocks checked by a certified auto mechanic and replaced as compulsory:

• You notice the poor steering response.
• Steering performance is stiff.
• Your car sways when turning and changing lanes.
• Your vehicle bounces excessively when driving.
• Braking performance is unbalanced.

Are you wondering when should car shocks be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the suspension system and to request an appointment.  Our automotive shop proudly serves car owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

Do you know What Should Car Service Include?

In many components of the county, people are enjoying the cooler fall days.  Probably the last thing on their mind is car maintenance.  Though, winter will soon be here with its rain and snow.  Just as you prepare your wardrobe for the cold and rain, don’t forget to get your car ready too.  

Ask your auto mechanic about what should car service include to get ready for winter driving.  The first thing to do is to schedule a full-point inspection on all the systems and parts of your vehicle so that you know are driving as safe as possible. This inspection should include:

• Car Battery--The battery connections should be clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Get your battery tested so you’re not left stranded some icy morning.  It may simply want to be recharged, or if it is starting to fail, it may want to be replaced.
• Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades usually start to lose their effectiveness in as little as 6 months. If there are streaking areas of glass, they should be replaced.  Chips in your windshield could become large cracks if not repaired.  Or, to be on the safe side, have your windshield replaced. 
• Lights-- Inspect that all the lights are working and clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night or on dark days so that other drivers can see you coming or going.
• Oil-- Normally, multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index can be used year-round as it provides the best oil flow at either hot temperatures.  Also, inspect the oil level frequently.
• Radiator, Hoses, and Belts-- Have the radiator and hoses inspected for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil. The hoses should be firm yet pliable.  Ask your auto mechanic to inspect the antifreeze mixture in your radiator.  It may be time to really flush the radiator and add a new anti-freeze.
• Tires-- If you drive a lot in snowy conditions, you may want to use all-season or snow tires. Inspect inflation pressure every month.  Under-inflated adversely affect steering and fuel economy, plus wearing out the tires faster.
• Brakes-- If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes checked and repaired as soon as possible for better-stopping performance.

Need to find quality car repair?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about what should car service include and make an appointment.  Our car repair shop proudly serves car owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.